"I am saddened that my good friend Rep. Jim Matheson has decided not to run for reelection next year. Jim has brought to the House of Representatives the kind of thoughtful, responsible leadership that this country needs to see more often.

“Thanks to new standards established under the Affordable Care Act, Americans are receiving better value from their premium dollars, and insurance companies who fail to meet these new standards must send consumers a rebate.

“The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House this evening is an important piece of legislation that supports our troops and all those who work to defend and keep our nation secure, and I was proud to support it.

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined 165 House Democrats today in a letter urging Speaker John Boehner not to adjourn the House for the year without bringing up an extension of federal unemployment insurance, which is scheduled to expire December 28.

But the fact of the matter is, Chris Van Hollen is Ranking Member of the Budget Committee on our side - he has not been in any of these negotiations, nor have any of the other [members of the budget conference].

For the forty-fifth consecutive month, our economy has added private sector jobs, continuing our recovery and helping to put more Americans back to work. While I am encouraged that our unemployment rate has dropped to 7.0% and that 203,000 jobs – including 196,000 private sector jobs – were added in November, we are not adding jobs at a pace fast enough to provide economic security to every family.

“I want to thank Rep. John Conyers, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Mel Watt, Ranking Member of the Intellectual Property Subcommittee, for offering their substitute amendment to the Innovation Act today.

“In his remarks today, President Obama highlighted the challenge of growing income inequality, which poses a danger not only to our long-term economic competitiveness and prosperity but to the very nature of our country as a beacon of equal opportunity for all.

“This morning’s Institute for Supply Management report shows the strongest gains for manufacturing in two and a half years, building on last month’s solid gains and proving that our manufacturers have what it takes to make it in America.

“This Sunday marks World AIDS Day, when we recommit ourselves to combating HIV-AIDS in America and across the world. While great strides have been made to prevent the spread of this disease and treat those who are infected, we must continue the fight as long as HIV-AIDS continues to affect communities and endanger lives.

“Today’s report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is further evidence that the Affordable Care Act continues to provide access to quality, affordable health care to Americans, including millions of seniors who are saving money on their prescription drugs.

“For nearly three decades, Dan Strodel has served the House of Representatives with distinction, including as Chief Administrative Officer since 2010. In that role, he has helped ensure the smooth operation of the House of Representatives and the well-being of its Members and staff.

“Our policy is that Iran should not have a nuclear arms capability. That continues to be our policy and the military option, as Secretary Kerry just said, is still on the table and it needs to be on the table.